Tech Briefs

A comprehensive library of technical briefs from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories covering all aspects of innovations in electronics, software, photonics, imaging, motion control, automation, sensors, test, materials, manufacturing, mechanical, and mechatronics.

Briefs: Imaging

Technologies Make 3D Cameras Easier to Use

These technologies help compress 3D camera files and automate focus and exposure settings.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Completely Flat Fisheye Lens

The single piece of glass produces crisp panoramic images.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

CMOS-Based Transceiver for 300 GHz

This transceiver for wireless communications at the 300-GHz band enables beyond-5G applications.

Briefs: Energy

Extracting Bioproducts from Plants for Biofuels

Biofuels can achieve cost parity with petroleum fuels.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Method Precisely Delivers Therapeutics Inside the Body

Ultrasound is used to deliver antibodies to treat cancers, infectious diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Supercapacitors for Wearable Devices

These robust supercapacitors still work when stretched to eight times their original size.

Briefs: Medical

Ultra-Miniaturized Microendoscope

The lens-free scope produces higher-quality images at a fraction of the size.

Briefs: Materials

Shape-Shifting Nanomaterial

This invention holds potential for a range of biomedical applications, from controlled-release drug delivery to tissue engineering.

Briefs: Aerospace

Plenoptic Camera

This camera enables multi-spectral imaging for metrology.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Polymer/Ceramic Composite as a Thin-Film Solid Electrolyte

This composite can be used in lithium metal batteries.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Metasurface Focuses Transmissions in the Terahertz Band

Assembling tiny chips into unique programmable surfaces dramatically increases the amount of data wireless systems can transmit.

Briefs: Imaging

Low-Cost Strengthened Glass Substrates

These glass substrates can be used for displays on smartphones and tablets and for other durable, impact-resistant applications.

Briefs: Imaging

Ultrasonic Projector

A chip-based technology generates sound profiles with high resolution and intensity to make ultrasound therapy more effective and easier.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Smart Stent Detects Narrowing of Arteries

The stent monitors even subtle changes in the flow of blood through the artery.

Briefs: Unmanned Systems

Obstacle-Avoiding Drone Uses Live Moth Antenna

“Smellicopter” uses a live moth antenna to avoid obstacles and seek out smells.

Briefs: Software

3D-Printed Working Heart Pump with Real Human Cells

The functioning human heart pump provides a model to track and trace what happens at the cell and molecular levels in the pump structure.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

3D-Printed Smart Gel Changes Shape When Exposed to Light

The invention can become color-changing “artificial muscle.”

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Modification of Pigments Utilizing Atomic Layer Deposition

The coatings can be deposited on substrates such as glass, polymers, metals, and aerogels.

Briefs: Energy

Stacking and Twisting Graphene Unlocks a Rare Form of Magnetism

The technology could lead to a platform for quantum computation or new types of energy-efficient data storage applications.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Method Checks Electronic Properties of Oxide Materials

This method is an important step towards smaller, more advanced, environmentally friendly electronics.

Briefs: Materials

Glue Activated by Magnetic Field

A potential boon to green manufacturing, the new glue saves on energy, time, and space.

Briefs: Automotive

Lightweight, Hypersonic, Thermal Protection Material

The material is designed for high-temperature applications in aircraft, building insulation, personal protective clothing, industrial, and automotive.